Smart, Ericsson, Meta Joint Network Optimizations Deliver Major Improvements in Messenger Call Quality Across the Philippines

Millions of Messenger users in the Philippines are now enjoying clearer, more reliable voice and video calls, following a joint network enhancement effort collaboration between Smart Communications, Ericsson, and Meta’s team in the Philippines. By optimizing network performance at scale, the partners reduced call disruptions and delays—making everyday Messenger conversations across the Philippines smoother and more dependable.

This collaboration has led to clear improvements in call quality over Messenger, resulting in a much better voice and video calling experience for millions of Filipinos nationwide. Additionally, these benefits were felt across several calling apps, not just Messenger.

The enhanced network performance was enabled by Ericsson and Smart fine-tuning key technical parameters in Smart's live network in the Luzon area of the Philippines.

The collaboration delivered major performance improvements. Messenger calls now have less delay at 24.6% lower RTT or round-trip time, fewer interruptions at 55% lower packet loss, and clearer video at nearly 20% higher video bitrate, with users across the Philippines experiencing more stable and reliable real-time conversations.

“This initiative with Ericsson and Meta aligns with our commitment to delivering exceptional service quality to all our customers. These improvements mean their video calls over Messenger are sharper, and they can enjoy continuous calls with their loved ones. We are grateful for this opportunity to turn innovation into everyday excellence, to the benefit of our customers,” according to Debbie M. Hu, head of network at Smart Communications.

“We’re proud to work in close partnership with Smart and Meta to optimize network performance and deliver clearer, more reliable service across the Philippines. This initiative demonstrates how focused global technical expertise, decades of trusted telco leadership, and platform-level coordination can come together to produce tangible, customer-facing improvements — clearer audio, fewer interruptions, and a more dependable calling experience that Filipinos can rely on every day,” says Daniel Ode, Head of Singapore, Philippines, and Brunei, Ericsson.

The resulting improved Messenger experience underscores how strong collaboration between a network operator, technology partner, and digital platform can deliver real, everyday improvements for users on live networks. It is also aligned with Smart and its parent company, PLDT’s drive to raise the standard of connectivity for millions of Filipinos across the country and beyond.

HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 S 2026 Showcases a Smarter Future for University Learning in the Philippines

As higher education continues to evolve alongside the demands of modern careers, students and educators are increasingly turning to technology that supports flexibility, creativity, and productivity. Recognizing this shift, HUAWEI Philippines partnered with the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) School of Economics to demonstrate how the HUAWEI MatePad 11.5 S 2026 is transforming the academic experience across disciplines.

Positioned as a 4-in-1 productivity tablet, the device bridges the gap between portability and PC-level performance. With its Smart Magnetic Keyboard, M-Pencil (3rd Gen), and Bluetooth mouse working together through NearLink connectivity, the MatePad allows users to shift seamlessly between laptop mode, split-screen study sessions, and studio-style creative workflows. This flexibility supports the diverse needs of students, balancing coursework, presentations, and collaborative projects.

One of the tablet’s standout strengths lies in its ability to support academic productivity without compromise. Through WPS Office 3.0, users can handle documents, spreadsheets, and presentations with desktop-style functionality. Advanced features such as pivot tables, LaTeX equation input, and keyboard shortcuts enable complex tasks like thesis writing and data analysis to be completed directly on the tablet. Faculty members also benefit from the ability to prepare lecture materials, annotate files, and manage hybrid classes using a single device.

Long study hours are further supported by the tablet’s 11.5-inch 2.8K Ultra-clear PaperMatte display. Designed with nanoscale anti-glare technology, the screen reduces reflections and eye strain while maintaining sharp clarity even in bright environments such as classrooms, libraries, and shared study spaces. This paper-like writing experience also enhances note-taking precision, making it especially useful during lectures and research sessions.

Creativity is another area where the MatePad stands out. Integrated tools like HUAWEI Notes and GoPaint enable students and educators to organize ideas, solve equations with AI assistance, and transform complex concepts into engaging diagrams and visual presentations. These features support both analytical learning and creative expression across fields such as economics, business, media, and the humanities.

Despite its powerful capabilities, the device remains highly portable with its slim 6.1 mm metallic body and long-lasting battery that supports more than 10 hours of use. This makes it a practical companion for students moving between classrooms, study halls, cafés, and home learning environments.

Through its collaboration with UA&P, HUAWEI continues to demonstrate how innovative technology can enhance teaching and learning by making productivity more accessible, interactive, and adaptable for today’s university communities.

Pokémon Sleep Watch Faces are Now Available on Your Garmin Smartwatch

Manila, Philippines – Garmin has unveiled a new way to personalise your smartwatches, launching two Pokémon Sleep-themed watch faces, now available to download for free in the Connect IQ™ Store. These watch faces are available for select smartwatches, including fēnix®, Forerunner®, Venu®, and vívoactive® products.

Track energy levels throughout the day

Garmin makes it more fun for users to track their energy levels with the new Pokémon Sleep watch faces. Users can choose between two designs: “Pokémon Sleep: Snorlax & Friends,” which features fan-favorites Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, Pikachu, and Snorlax on Greengrass Isle, or “Pokémon Sleep: I Choose You,” where users can select their own companion from 48 options.

As the day goes on, the selected Pokémon changes its expressions and poses in real time, from happy and smiling to tired and sleepy, based on the user’s Body Battery™ energy levels.

As bedtime approaches, the watch face also helps users wind down. Night mode automatically activates an hour and a half before users’ scheduled sleep time setting in the Garmin Connect™ app.

Garmin customers can download the Pokémon Sleep watch faces now in the Connect IQ Store. See if your device is compatible with Snorlax & Friends or I Choose You. In addition, select Garmin devices are also now compatible with Pokémon Sleep1 for syncing sleep data with the Pokémon Sleep mobile app.

The Connect IQ Store is accessible through the Google Play and Apple App Store.

1 Requires a compatible smartphone with the Garmin Connect and Pokémon Sleep apps downloaded, and user-enabled sharing through supported mobile platforms. Pokémon Sleep is intended for entertainment purposes only and is not intended for use in the detection, diagnosis, or treatment of any medical condition or disease.

Shopee Takes Tatak Pinoy Roadshow to Visayas and Mindanao, Accelerating Digital Growth for MSMEs Across the Country

Manila, Philippines — Shopee is bringing its Tatak Pinoy MSME Roadshow to more provinces in Visayas and Mindanao, reinforcing its commitment to helping Filipino entrepreneurs tap into e-commerce. Started in August last year, the program has since drawn strong participation from its earlier legs, reflecting the growing appetite for digital skills training among regional entrepreneurs. The Bacolod City leg continues the Visayas run, with Shopee set to expand to additional provinces as the initiative scales nationwide. This expansion aims to provide digital upskilling opportunities to hundreds of MSME sellers in underserved regions outside Metro Manila.

The Tatak Pinoy Roadshow builds on Shopee's decade-long mission to empower Filipino small businesses. In partnership with local government units and the Department of Trade and Industry, the program delivers hands-on training and guidance to help MSMEs establish and grow their online presence.

“Across the Philippines, we’re seeing more entrepreneurs recognize the potential of e-commerce to grow their businesses,” said Jack Ng, Head of Commercial, Shopee Philippines. “With Tatak Pinoy, we aim to meet MSMEs where they are, particularly in regions with limited access to digital training resources. By expanding the roadshow across Visayas and Mindanao, we want to unlock the untapped potential of these regional businesses and provide them with the tools and knowledge to succeed online.”

The Tatak Pinoy Roadshow has consistently drawn strong participation from entrepreneurs eager to grow their businesses online. For the Bacolod leg, the event expects to draw around 100 participants, highlighting growing interest in digital commerce across the region.

This builds on the program’s strong momentum in 2025, when attendance consistently surpassed targets. Last year, Shopee trained over 700 MSME sellers across 10 cities nationwide, providing hands-on sessions in digital marketing, order fulfillment, and customer engagement to support their growth. These practical workshops equip participants to manage day-to-day operations and grow their businesses confidently online.

Addressing key barriers for regional entrepreneurs

While enthusiasm for e-commerce is high, many regional entrepreneurs face challenges when transitioning from informal businesses to fully operational online stores. Common hurdles include business formalization, securing permits, and managing multiple responsibilities with small teams—from packaging and inventory management to customer service.

The Tatak Pinoy curriculum supports MSMEs at every stage of their digital journey, providing guidance on online store setup, business registration, and order and logistics management through Shopee’s ecosystem of tools and services.

“Our experience from the roadshow has shown that the passion and entrepreneurial drive are already there,” Ng added. “What MSMEs need and what we see regional entrepreneurs will also benefit from is the right guidance and support to turn their drive into sustainable growth. Through Tatak Pinoy, we’re working with local government partners to provide practical training that helps sellers overcome early hurdles and build stronger businesses online.”

Local partnerships power regional MSME growth

The Bacolod stop also underscores the importance of strong public-private collaboration in supporting MSME development at the community level.

“Bacolod has always been a city that champions the spirit of local enterprise, and we are proud to welcome the Tatak Pinoy Roadshow to our community,” said Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya. “This program speaks directly to our commitment to creating an environment where our entrepreneurs can thrive, not just locally, but in the digital economy that is reshaping how business is done across the country.”

“What excites me most about Tatak Pinoy is that it gives our local sellers a real and practical path forward,” Mayor Gasataya added. “The skills and tools they gain here can help them compete not just within Bacolod, but with sellers anywhere in the Philippines, and that kind of reach is what will sustain our city’s economic growth for years to come.”

Mae Ferrer-Llamas, Ph.D., Head of Bacolod City’s Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office, also emphasized the role of partnerships in enabling inclusive digital growth for small businesses. “Empowering MSMEs to participate in the digital economy requires collaboration between the private sector, government, and local communities,” said Dr. Llamas. “Programs like Tatak Pinoy play an important role in helping entrepreneurs develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed in online commerce.”

As the Tatak Pinoy Roadshow continues nationwide, Shopee remains committed to building an inclusive e-commerce ecosystem, one that empowers Filipino entrepreneurs from every region to grow their businesses and reach customers across the country.

Globe Spotlights AI-Powered Energy Efficiency at Mobile World Congress 2026

As artificial intelligence rapidly expands across industries, a new question is emerging: how much energy will it consume, and how can telecommunication companies manage energy demand responsibly? This was one of the key topics discussed at the GSMA Mobile World Congress 2026, where Globe joined leaders from the energy and technology sectors, including Google, ARGIA Green, Schneider Electric, and the International Energy Agency (IEA), to examine the environmental impact of AI and the role companies can play in keeping digital growth sustainable.

Globe Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer Yoly Crisanto said that innovation must move forward responsibly as new technologies scale. “Artificial intelligence is reshaping how economies grow and how people live and work. The challenge is making sure that this progress strengthens, rather than undermines, the global shift towards a sustainable future. We are focused on using technology in ways that make energy use more efficient, help build a more climate transition-ready digital infrastructure, and expand renewable energy. This is especially pertinent with threats to the supply of imported fossil fuels. The transition to more energy-efficient technologies paired with renewable energy reduces exposure to fossil fuel price increases and improves energy security for the company’s operations.”

Globe shared how it is using AI to make its own network operations more energy efficient. By analyzing network traffic and adjusting power use at cell sites, AI systems can automatically reduce electricity consumption during periods of lower demand without affecting service.

These improvements may sound technical, but they have a real impact. Telecommunications networks operate 24 hours a day and require large amounts of energy to keep people connected. Even small efficiency gains across thousands of network sites can translate into significant energy savings.

Globe said AI-driven optimization has already reduced electricity use across parts of its network infrastructure. The company has also rolled out tens of thousands of green solutions across its facilities, including sodium-nickel batteries and cooling technologies that reduce the need for energy-intensive air conditioning. AI is also being used to regulate the cooling of piping systems and minimize electricity consumption, resulting in 20 to 30 percent annual energy savings.

These innovations are being paired with Globe’s broader shift toward renewable energy, as the company aims to increase its renewable electricity share to at least 42% by 2030, up from 24% in 2024. More broadly, Globe has achieved a year-on-year 15% reduction in Scopes 1 and 2 emissions and a 9% reduction in Scope 3 emissions, significantly surpassing its near-term linear annual reduction rate targets of 4.2% and 2.5%, respectively. To reflect the company’s evolving business strategy, Globe will resubmit its emissions inventory to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and establish 2025 as its new baseline year. Globe is recalibrating its Net Zero targets to remain transparent and fully aligned with its current operational footprint. Globe also emphasized the importance of collaboration between industry and government to accelerate the transition to cleaner energy. More flexible electricity grids and wider deployment of renewable sources, including siting these near data centers, will be important to support both digital growth and climate action in the years ahead.

As AI continues to evolve, Globe believes that technology can become part of the solution rather than the problem. Crisanto emphasized, “Technology drives innovation, and with AI, there is a great opportunity to use this technology for the greater good.”

With responsible innovation and strong partnerships, AI use can enable companies and the wider economy for sustainable growth. Pioneering the adoption of renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies, Globe supports the Philippine government’s initiative to have 35% Renewable Energy share in the national energy mix by 2030.

Globe has recently been recognized as a Climate Leader by CDP after earning an A- score for Climate in 2025. Globe has also earned a coveted spot in the World’s Most Sustainable Companies 2025 list by TIME Magazine and Statista.

To learn more about Globe, visit https://www.globe.com.ph.